A PRAYER FOR LIBERTY

MeditationsInLight.BlogSpot.com Larry Doyle Crenshaw

When power is concentrated into the hands of an unelected few who judge, not according to the divinely appointed instrument of justice and law, but by political winds fanned by a minority, the people will be betrayed.  In recent days we have experienced the results of such conduct as the balance of power rooted deeply within our system of government was shaken.  History records other instances of rule by the whim of the few. Such experiences lead to a circumstance wherein people find themselves outside the protection of divine providence - putting themselves at risk to “internal and external invaders.”  

We are reminded of one of our Founding Father’s statements in this regard.  In a letter to James Warren (a General in the Massachusetts militia) on February 12, 1779, Samuel Adams said, “A general Dissolution of Principles & Manners will more surely overthrow the Liberties of America than the whole Force of the Common Enemy. While the People are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their Virtue they will be ready to surrender their Liberties to the first external or internal Invader. How necessary then is it for those who are determind to transmit the Blessings of Liberty as a fair Inheritance to Posterity, to associate on publick Principles in Support of publick virtue.”

In this 239^th year of liberty, we offer these testimonial perspectives as celebration and warning:

1.       We are still the greatest nation on earth – but that is eroding. 

2.       We are still a God-worshipping nation – but that is eroding. 

3.       We are still free to think and speak and act according to our religious convictions – but that is eroding.

4.       We are still a nation ruled by a divinely inspired constitution – but that is eroding.

5.       We are still a nation of enormous wealth and resources – but they are eroding.

6.       We are still a nation with the strongest military might in the world – but that is eroding.

7.       We are still one of the most highly educated nations on earth – but that is eroding.

8.       We are still one of the healthiest nations in the world – but that is eroding.

9.       We are still one of the most generous and charitable nations on earth – but that is eroding.

10.   We are still like “a shining city upon a hill,” but the light is dimming and our liberties are eroding.

This week we celebrate our Independence from government tyranny.  Though, in some respects, as noted above, the tyranny of complacency, iniquity, and ineptitude is eroding our national character and sapping our strength. In coming days, we will have the opportunity to vote for executive and legislative leaders who can, with our active help and support, stop the erosion noted above and lead us toward greater personal liberty and prosperity. They need to have vision, courage, and a deep and abiding faith in this Land of Liberty and its Divine heritage.  

This week we reflect on America as a Land of Liberty in both ancient and modern days. The message of ancient America is the message for modern America in this week’s meditative verse entitled “A Prayer for Liberty.”

- A Prayer for Liberty -

Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.

Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 1:7

May this Land of Liberty be set apart

For all whom God shall bring

Seeking liberty with all their heart

Longing to hear the bell of freedom ring

Bless this land, may it be consecrated

For souls willing to toil and serve

For those devoted and dedicated

To Thy laws and Thy ways observe

                                                              May it never be a land of captivity                        

As we hold fast to Truth’s Iron Rod

Never to embrace nor turn to iniquity

Incurring the wrath of an angry God

May this land be a Promised Land

Strong and proud, may it never fall

As we fight for right and take a stand

May it be one nation, under God, for all

Larry Doyle Crenshaw